UMW basketball adds trio from Helena

University of Montana Western head women’s basketball coach Lindsay Woolley has announced the addition of three players to the Bulldog team. All three of the additions are from Helena, Mont., and include Sierra Bignell, Alexa Welch and Kaye Bignell.

Sierra Bignell is a 5’ 8” senior guard from Helena Capital High School. She averaged eight points, four rebounds, 1.6 assists and shot nearly 50 percent from the field. She earned three varsity basketball letters and was elected as a team captain her senior year. In addition to basketball Sierra lettered in softball and track.

“We are excited Sierra has chosen to join the Bulldog family. She is going to have to take on a bit of a position change but I am confident that she will tackle it with her relentless work ethic,” said Coach Woolley. “She has a strong desire to play college basketball and she is a great fit for our school athletically and academically.”

Off the court Sierra has a 3.95 GPA and earned academic all-state honors, was a member of the National Honors Society, a Helena Education Foundation Distinguished Student, and earned the Full Boar award. She will study biology while attending Montana Western. She is the daughter of John and Tana Bignell.

Alexa Welch is a 5’ 6” senior guard from Capital High School. During her senior season she averaged 8.8 points a game while shooting 45 percent from the field and behind the arc. She also averaged 1.5 steals and 1.6 assists a game while pulling down 3.4 rebounds. She earned second team all-conference honors following her senior season.

“Alexa has been a valuable part of Capital’s tradition the last few years,” said Coach Woolley. “She is a tremendous athlete and a very good shooter. She will likely redshirt next year due to the knee injury she suffered this year, but I know she will rehab well and help us down the road.”

Off the court Alexa has been an honor roll student. She plans to study English while attending Montana Western. Alexa is the daughter of Randy and Jami Welch.

Kaye Bignell is a 5’ 9” post player who is transferring in from Carroll College. She averaged 10 points, four rebounds and two assists a game in high school for the Capital High School Bruins. As a senior she earned first team all-state honors and was selected to the Montana-Wyoming all-star team. Following her junior campaign she earned second team all-state honors. During her high school career she gained first team all-state honors following both her junior and senior seasons. She also participated on the cross country team and was voted the most inspirational by her peers.

“Kaye brings some experience to our team as she played a true freshman for Carroll last season. She runs the floor really well and has great touch around the basket,” said Coach Woolley. “Like Alexa and Sierra she comes from a winning high school program and know how much work it takes to be successful.”

Off the court Kaye earned academic all-state cross country her senior year. She plans to study wildlife biology while attending Montana Western. She is the daughter of Jim and Carrie Bignell.